4.0 GPA? Lets Analyze!!

With the end of the term coming up, looking at my GPA would show that I'm a good student, but I don't have all A's: a 4.0. Even though I don't, I've always wondered why some people try to get a perfect cumulative 4.0 throughout their high school career. Why does someone try to get a cumulative 4.0 from 9th grade to 12th grade??!

I can see that they are going for excellence, but doesn't a 3.9 show excellence just as well? When I look at scholarship graphs, more scholarships are awarded to those who had a 3.9 than a 4.0. The same goes for college entrance requirements. The truth is: a 4.0 isn't what it used to be. Anyone can get a 4.0 if they take the "right classes."Pottery making, underwater basket weaving, and photography are easy A's. I say this from my point of view, where I take harder classes. Classes like Honors Physics, Honors English, and AP classes. Although I may not get an A in the class, I'm learning more than "how to weave a basket underwater."

Next point: A letter grade just doesn't reflect someone's knowledge in the subject matter. This statement is what hurts some "4.0ers." When they get their first A minus, for B plus, they freak out. "My GPA is RUINED," they say, when in truth, it isn't. It is not the end of the world because you got a B. Any college will still take you, even if you don't have a 4.0. My point? Don't freak out when you get something lower than an A. Espeicially in high school. To all those of you who are 4.0ers, I congratulate you! And to the rest of you: I congratulate you!